X-MAN FAN PAGE

July 24th, 2006

100 Meters: Xavier Carter

Black Sports Network

American Xavier Carter, the “X-Man”, ran the 2nd fastest 200m in history at the Athletissima Grand Prix meeting. Carter, who is only 20 years old and recently won his first ever pro race, clocked a stunning time of 19.63 seconds.

Carter’s time is the second fastest 200m of all-time behind American Michael Johnson. Johnson set the current world record of 19.32 at the Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia in August of 1996.

He sat down with BSN before heading to Europe to run professionally.

BlackSports:Has it sunk it what you accomplished by winning four titles at the NCAA meet?
Xavier:YES, ITS STARTING TO SINK IN NOW THAT I’M BEING INCLUDED IN THE SAME SENTENCE WITH JESSE OWENS…

BlackSports:Great athletes have tremendous confidence in their abilities did you know what you were capable of doing?
Xavier:I KNEW IT WAS ALL POSSIBLE BASED ON WHERE I WAS MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY…

BlackSports:Looking back when did you realize that you had the talent to run at the collegiate and now professional level?
Xavier:I REALIZED MY POTENTIAL EARLY ON IN MY HIGH SCHOOL CAREER…

BlackSports:You are now mentioned in the same breath as the great Jesse Owens. Talk about the feeling you have being compared to him?
Xavier:IT’S A GREAT HONOR BECAUSE GROWING UP I REMEMBER STUDYING JESSE OWENS AND HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON AND OFF THE TRACK DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH…

BlackSports:You have given up the final 2 years of your track and football eligibility to pursue a career in professional track and field. Explain your reason for leaving LSU?
Xavier: I LEFT BECAUSE I FELT LIKE I HAD TO DO WHAT WAS BEST FOR ME IN PURSUIT OF MY OLYMPIC DREAM…

BlackSports:Are you a football player who runs track or track athlete who plays football?
Xavier:A FOOTBALL PLAYER WHO RAN TRACK…NOW I’M A TRACK ATHLETE…

BlackSports:Do you envision playing professional football down the road?
Xavier:YES, DEFINITELY…

BlackSports:What are your expectations entering the professional track and field circuit?
Xavier:TO SIMPLY BE COMPETITIVE WITH THE BEST IN THE WORLD

BlackSports:How has your life changed from college athlete to professional athlete?
Xavier:IT HASN’T CHANGED WHO I AM BUT IT’S DEFINITELY MORE OF A BUSINESS AT THIS LEVEL…

BlackSports:Will go back and pursue your education at LSU?
Xavier:YES, THIS FALL…

BlackSports:What advice would you give to young aspiring sprinters and athletes?
Xavier:TO PUT GOD FIRST, TRAIN HARD, AND GET IT DONE IN THE CLASSROOM…

BlackSports:Have you signed any endorsement deals?
Xavier:YES, NIKE IS MY FOOTWEAR AND APPAREL SPONSOR

BlackSports:What is your first big purchase going to be with your new salary?
Xavier:WELL, I’LL KEEP IT SIMPLE, MORE THAN LIKELY A CAR AND A PLACE TO LAY MY HEAD

Xavier Carter we appreciate the voice...